Chicken Pot Pie With Flaky Crust

Name: Chicken Pot Pie With Flaky Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 cup peas; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 1/3 cup butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp thyme; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup cold butter, cubed; 6-8 tbsp cold water

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

I love making Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust, especially during the colder months. It brings back so many warm memories of family dinners, and the aroma filling the house is simply irresistible. I took the time to perfect the flaky crust, using a blend of butter and cold water for the ideal texture. This recipe not only satisfies my comfort food cravings but also impresses my guests, making it a staple at our gathering. Each bite is a delightful combination of savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, encased in a perfectly flaky shell.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:41:35.137Z

When I first made chicken pot pie, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The comfort of the dish comes from not just the savory filling, but the love put into creating that flaky crust. I discovered that using cold butter and handling the dough minimally keeps it tender and light. Each time I serve it, I see the smiles it brings, paired with a warm crust that is a culinary hug.

Additionally, I love experimenting with different veggies in the filling, depending on the season. It’s a flexible recipe! If you add some thyme or rosemary, it gives an extra depth of flavor that I find irresistible. Sharing it with my loved ones always brings back fond memories and sparks new ones at the dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and comforting chicken filling loaded with veggies
Flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices

Mastering the Flaky Crust

Creating the perfect flaky crust is all about the butter-cold water ratio and technique. When cutting the cold butter into the flour, make sure to stop when the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some larger butter pieces still visible. This helps create pockets of steam that yield a light and flaky texture when baked. Remember, keep the butter chilled throughout the process; you can even chill your mixing bowl and utensils to enhance the flakiness.

Another important tip is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can lead to a dense crust instead of a light one. After mixing, it’s crucial to wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, which further contributes to that desirable flaky quality when you roll it out.

Enhancing the Filling

The filling is where you can add your personal touch to this chicken pot pie. Using a mix of fresh vegetables not only provides great flavor but also adds nutrition. Consider using seasonal vegetables; for example, mushrooms or corn can be delightful additions throughout the year. When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a colorful array for both aesthetics and taste, cooking until they are tender but not mushy—approximately 5-7 minutes should suffice.

Don’t shy away from spices; while thyme adds a wonderful earthy flavor, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika can elevate your filling. If you're looking for a creamier texture, consider adding a touch of cream cheese or sour cream to the filling before baking. This small adjustment can introduce a rich tanginess that complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Tips for Baking and Serving

To ensure your pie bakes evenly, preheat your oven fully to 425°F (220°C) before placing the pie inside. An adequately preheated oven ensures a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. If you're concerned about the edges over-browning, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through the bake time. Expect the pie to be ready in 30-35 minutes, indicated by a deep golden hue and a bubbling filling visible through the slits on top.

After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly before slicing. This waiting time will help avoid a soupy mess when serving. For a complete meal, pair it with a light side salad to balance the richness of the pot pie, and perhaps a crisp white wine for the adults—it's a perfect cozy gathering dish!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients below, and let's get started!

For the Pie Filling

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup peas
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp thyme

For the Flaky Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup cold butter, cubed
6-8 tbsp cold water

Ensure all your ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious chicken pot pie!

Prepare the Pie Filling

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until tender. Stir in the flour until well combined. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Flaky Crust

In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten each piece into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Place in the dish and fill with the chicken mixture. Roll out the second disk and place it over the filling. Seal and cut slits for steam to escape. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra flaky crust, let the dough rest in the fridge longer before rolling it out. You can also brush the top of the crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, consider preparing the filling in advance. You can make the filling a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply assemble the pie when you're ready to bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together more robustly.

The crust can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and it will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, cover it loosely with foil. When reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures the crust remains crisp rather than microwave softness.

Alternatively, if you have a large batch and want to freeze portions, slice them into serving sizes and wrap them tightly. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45 minutes. This way, you can enjoy homemade chicken pot pie anytime, with that fresh-baked taste.

Variations You Can Try

Feel free to switch up the proteins; turkey or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms and lentils can work beautifully. Adjust the cooking method as needed but keep the same flavor ratios. For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of cheese atop the filling before sealing with the crust for a cheesy, gooey surprise in every slice.

Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to customize the flavor profile even further. Each herb brings its signature touch, thus altering the character of the dish without losing the heart of a comforting chicken pot pie.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute chicken with mushrooms or your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze the chicken pot pie?

Yes, you can assemble the pie but avoid baking it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through to maintain the crust's flakiness.